Clean, clear and light on its feet, but with few extras.

A quantum leap in usability over the previous version, although malware protection could still be better

A mixed performance undermines an otherwise good-value product.

A friendly suite for the less-experienced user, but technical types may find it limiting.

A highly usable all-round security suite, but ultimately a strong runner-up rather than a new champion.

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A big improvement from Microsoft, but there’s still some way to go. OneCare can now call itself a serious security contender.

A winner on the strength of its excellent protection, coming first or equal-first in our malware and firewall test.

A professional product, but it's a poor performer for the price.

With peerless detection capabilities, this well-conceived package towers over its rivals.

The Vista version lacks many of the features of the XP suite, while slowing down the PC noticeably in usage

A comprehensive set of security tools in one package, with a convenient and easy-to-use interface.

Kaspersky's first integrated security suite relies too much on the anti-virus component.

Astaro Security Linux turns any PC with the right hardware in to a dedicated firewall and router system with minimal fuss.

With the prevalence of Net connections and all the good things a connected society brings such as community, the ability to share ideas and the openness of information, comes the flipside of digital life -- hackers, spyware, viruses and spam.

A software firewall has to really stand out to succeed in the crowded market, but ZoneAlarm Pro 3.5 with Web Filtering does just that.

With less hand-holding and a greater feeling of control and configuration, Norton is definitely geared more towards the advanced user than McAfee. Although the interface is quite different, it's undoubtedly a more professional product.

At first glance, not much appears to have changed from version 3. A closer look, however, reveals that the engine in version 4 has been tweaked and optimised towards a more powerfully specified product.

With less hand-holding and a greater feeling of control and configuration, Norton is definitely geared more towards the advanced user than McAfee. Although the interface is quite different, it's undoubtedly a more professional product.